Sanctified by Truth
Just prior to His death, Jesus prayed to our Father very specifically for His disciples. ““I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours” (John 17:9). He was not praying for all those yet uncalled, at that time, or for those who had been called but had not yet responded. We know, however, that Christ gave His life for all who would come to believe through the ages. But He prayed very specifically for those who had already committed to following Him through to the end.
He also prayed for those who would commit to His way through their word. ““I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word” (John 17:20). All of these, both the early believers and the latter ones had committed to something that Satan, our adversary, utterly hates because it will keep true believers on the narrow path that leads to life.
Christ knew the danger of the deceptions, that Satan is ever so capable of, that ultimately lead to spiritual death. So, His prayer continued, “I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth” (John 17:15–17). His prayer was that we be sanctified by God’s truth. Sanctify means to make holy, to render pure, or to cleanse from sins. Thankfully we know that we cannot be sanctified through cleverly or not so cleverly disguised deceit aimed at changing the truth about God’s word or about our own heart.
As we personally examine prior to the Passover, the truth is all that matters. King David reflects on some very poignant truths that can serve us well as we search out the truths that sanctify the faithful. “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them Your servant is warned, And in keeping them there is great reward. Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults. Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; Let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, And I shall be innocent of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:7–14).
Let us recommit wholeheartedly to all our Father’s truths – especially to those that our adversary will try to twist in our weakest points – and thereby do our part in fulfilling the request He made in our behalf.
Marshall Stiver
